Trello: “This to-do-list app lets me have multiple lists and invite people to collaborate on certain tasks. It’s a lifesaver for a fast-paced startup.”

Ankur Pansari CEO, Artillery

Exec: “It’s a mobile app that allows you to call a prescreened executive assistant. I needed help coordinating a move into my new apartment, so I called an exec and he showed up 20 minutes later. He saved me probably five hours of time and frustration.”

OrderAhead: “I use the app to place an order for coffee, and then I just drive past the coffee shop, run in, and pick it up. I love applications that save me a lot of time.”

Unleashing the Ideavirus, by Seth Godin: “I live for a quick read that is jam-packed with good advice and a fresh perspective. Godin so clearly outlines the significance of an idea and how marketers need to step aside and let the customer take center stage.”

Craig KanarickCEO, New York Mouth

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Photojojo.com: “This is the best photography store on the planet. It’s quirky, fun, and filled with stuff you want. The shopping experience kicks ass.”

LittleBits: “My kids love tech projects, and these items are beautiful and interesting, like Legos of the future–gates, circuits, sensors that all snap together to make incredible technology projects. I can’t get enough.”

KIPP: “By embracing innovations such as tailored curricula, KIPP’s college graduation rate is four times the national average.”

HotelTonight: “This app not only revolutionizes last-minute hotel bookings, but it’s a great example of taking an unnecessarily complex process and making it elegantly simple.”

Clara ShihCEO, Hearsay Social

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Lyft: “Lyft is an elegant ride-sharing app for San Francisco. Drivers in the community sign up to offer rides that are triaged based on demand.”

Downton Abbey: “I hadn’t watched TV since I was a teenager until I discovered Downton Abbey. The manor drama has been completely updated with a modern twist.”

Robert GaalCofounder and CEO, KarmaHelpscout.net: “I always dreaded using email support systems until I saw this. It allows us to be really effective in answering questions fast for our teams in Amsterdam and New York. There isn’t anything like this.”

Polygon.com: “Just when you thought games reporting couldn’t get any better, the creators of the Verge pull this off. Come for the reviews and news, stay for amazing videos and features.”

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A version of this article appeared in the April 2013 issue of Fast Company magazine.